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Quick thread of appreciation to some of advertising's wonderful feminist heroes I've met in recent years at #CannesLions. My only regret in the festival being canceled this year is that I won't get to chat with them again or meet more role models.
Maribel Vidal, chief strategy officer of McCann Santiago. Maribel is a lifelong advocate for women, especially across Latin America. You can hear my 2018 podcast with her (and Laura Visco...more to come on her) here: https://www.adweek.com/creativity/cannes-conversations-sparking-a-new-generation-of-women-in-leadership/
Eva Santos (Global CCO, Proximity) and Laura Visco (Deputy ECD, 72andSunny Amsterdam). I could devote an entire thread to the energy and impact these two women bring to global creativity, but it still wouldn't do them justice. @cp08210 @esplendidalaura
Obviously @cindygallop, who was kind enough to pose with the @AdFreak button we made in her honor. I love how Cindy's hard work, hot takes and fearlessness have left white men in power whispering her name in hushed tones like they're afraid of summoning Voldemort. :)
Elaine Cox, ECD, @thisisheat. Elaine is possibly the funniest person I've ever met, yet has a deep intensity when it comes to gender equality. Fun fact: We almost started a podcast on gender in advertising called Slicing Up the Sausage Fest. Maybe we still should?
Next up: @stephpaterik, our own executive editor at @Adweek, who has done more to elevate our coverage than any other person I could name in my 13 years with the magazine. Admittedly, we didn't meet at Cannes, but it just felt wrong not to include her. :)
What hasn't been said about Colleen @DeCourcy? Sure, she's an advertising megastar, but more importantly, she's a tireless advocate for the next generations of women in creativity and inclusivity in all its forms.
As in many countries, Brazil's ad scene has long fallen short in terms of gender balance and ethnic diversity. Which is why I'm so glad Keka Morelle (CCO, Wunderman Thompson Brazil) is so vocal about filling these gaps.
I met Camilla Ciappina and Felipe Duarte when they snuck into an Adweek event (which I rewarded by giving them VIP passes to use the rest of the week). I've loved following both, especially Camilla's constant work to help creatives hone their portfolios: https://www.adweek.com/creativity/5-ways-you-can-spruce-up-your-portfolio-while-in-quarantine/
There are many great people in advertising, but none more so than Sophie Worth (talent director, @WKAmsterdam). She is always, ALWAYS thinking about others and working to elevate new voices into the industry. A relentless champion of diversity and empowerment.
This is my favorite photo of @katie_ramp (recruiter, @mtzhf). I took it when we found ourselves at probably the 8th gender-balance panel together at Cannes 2016. As you can tell from the crowd, there weren't a whole lot of people as fired up about the topic as we were. 
Self-awareness check: I could blame the perennial whiteness of Cannes, but the truth is it's on me to build more relationships with Black women and POC who are leading the fight for equality worldwide. And I'm hopeful 2021 will be the festival's most diverse year yet.
Who are some of the most inspiring and advocacy-minded women you've met, at Cannes or other global events? Since I can't be there this year, I'd love to make new connections through your recommendations. 
